Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

7-31-2020

Publication Title

International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES)

Abstract

The Lunar Daytime concept addresses the challenge to behavioral scientists and architectural researchers in conducting research in space habitats or habitat analogs to produce scientifically valid results. Historically, researchers were limited to largely qualitative surveys. Instead, the Lunar Daytime (LDT) team will demonstrate the efficacy of a modifiable environmental habitat analog laboratory capable of producing empirical, measurable, and quantitative data sets. To measure effects on crew performance and crew behavioral responses as a dependent variable, researchers must be able to make and control changes in the physical living and working environment as an independent variable. Lunar Daytime refers to modeling an early human-tended lunar base. Because this surface mission depends on solar energy for power, which is available only during the lunar day, the time limit to the simulation is 14 days, but may run shorter. This LDT context provides the mission scenario to conduct these comparatively short-duration habitat analog studies. A benefit of two-week long simulations is that it becomes possible to conduct multiple test runs within the same time and budget that a much longer (i.e. Mars mission) scenario would require. The LDT team has conducted extensive studies of space vehicle and habitat design, done research in various analog habitats (e.g., MDRS, HERA, HI-SEAS, Concordia), and reviewed all existing space habitat analog facilities. Unfortunately, none of the current facilities allow for the degree of modification necessary to experimentally address the critical issues surrounding creation of the optimally built habitat. Major Objectives: 1) Create a space habitat analog research facility, specifically designed to accommodate desired modifications in the physical and perceptual living and working environment, and 2) Demonstrate the ability of such an environmental behavioral laboratory to simulate, investigate, and address critical factors that play important roles in human health and well-being in Isolated and confined environments (ICEs).

Download

Share

COinS